UKIAH, Calif. – When the need for an otolaryngologist arose in Mendocino county Susan R. Cordes, M.D. a renowned otolaryngologist answered the call because of her deep sense of mission and purpose.

“Academic medicine is experiencing enormous change in the current health care environment. As this change occurred at my home institution, it caused me to evaluate my situation and goals for the remainder of my career,” said Dr. Cordes.

“I decided that the timing was right to seek an opportunity in a different area geographically as long as I could maintain some of my academic interests such as humanitarian work and national academy involvement,” she said. “When I visited this area, I was impressed by the quality of the medical community and the natural beauty in Mendocino County, so I felt like this is a place where I could feel comfortable and have an enjoyable medical practice and life.”

“I am thrilled that Dr. Cordes will be joining the medical staff at UVMC,” said Ukiah Valley Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Gwen Matthews. “She brings with her a high degree of academic and surgical excellence. I know our community will be blessed by her knowledge and surgical precision.”

Regarding Dr. Cordes joining her practice, otolaryngologist Laurie E. Spence, M.D., said, “I am thrilled to welcome Susan Cordes, MD to Ukiah. As a nationally-recognized otolaryngologist, she brings 16 years of experience and up-to-date, university level knowledge that will benefit our medical community and patients in Mendocino and Lake [and surrounding] counties.”

“With Dr. Coursey retiring at the end of this month I know he has been looking to find the right partner for Dr. Spence. I think that we finally have found the perfect match with Dr. Cordes. Dr. Spence is also a highly skilled ENT with an academic background; I know their skills will complement each other and benefit our community for generations to come,” said UVMC Chief Medical Officer Marvin Trotter, M.D.

Dr. Cordes has a deep sense of mission that is fulfilled by her involvement in AMPATH, Academic Model for Providing Access to Healthcare.

“I am privileged to be involved in the Indiana University-Kenya AMPATH Partnership. I initiated ENT involvement in the program in 2009 and have retained an appointment at Indiana University to continue that work,” she said. “I keep in frequent contact with my Kenyan ENT colleagues; we are currently working on approval for our first joint ENT research project.”

In addition to participation in AMPATH, Dr. Cordes is actively involved in the humanitarian efforts of the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, and serves as vice chair of the humanitarian efforts committee.

If you happen to become a patient of Dr. Cordes she says you can expect a thorough examination and a complete explanation of their care plan. “The option of surgery will only be discussed after considering all possible treatment options and will be offered when the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks which are an inherent component of every surgical procedure.”

Dr. Cordes also brings new services to our community, “I am experienced in balloon sinuplasty, an alternative or adjunct to traditional endoscopic sinus surgery, Coblation technology for tonsillectomy, snoring, nasal congestion, sleep apnea and other procedures. In addition, I have considerable experience in the treatment of head and neck cancer.”

During her personal time you may encounter Dr. Cordes, her husband Kyle, and their two small rescue dogs at the local dog park, out for a walk or jogging around town.

“I look forward to exploring this part of the country – from the local wineries and natural beauty to seeing what San Francisco has to offer beyond the usual tourist attractions,” she said. “Kyle and I are excited to learn more about Ukiah and Mendocino county, and to find ways we can become involved in the community.”

Dr. Cordes is joining otolaryngologist Laurie Spence, M.D., and is now accepting new patients at the Ukiah Valley Medical Center Outpatient Clinic located at 1165 S. Dora St., Suite C-2, in Ukiah.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cordes, please call 707-462-8855.